By YRS Jerzy
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
Hip hop really can’t be classified by region, anymore, as in saying one specific area is blowing up. Everywhere is blowing up, because artists are out here grinding. Add Just Derek to the list of Bay Area rappers who are making their presence felt.
Just Derek is one of the more creative newer rappers who is forging his path. The game is different for everyone and Just Derek has found success with his recent mixtape release. His mixtape, Make It Happen, says it all.
A rising star in his own right, Just Derek is the latest On The Rise artist, here on Hip Hop Vibe. Sitting down for an exclusive interview, Just Derek explained his journey to the top. The journey is ongoing with a new challenge each day.
Read the entire interview below:
Traditionally, rappers would come up with all kinds of names to use professionally, why did you decide to call yourself ‘Just Derek,’ an obvious play on your real name? I decided on “Just Derek,” because I don’t fit the traditional Bay Area mold, which is my advantage. You won’t find many or any artist with my thought process, cadence, or sound, and I’m proud of that because it’s unique for where I’m from. The work load ahead looks easy to others, but I just see it as a puzzle that wants to be solved, That’s Just Derek.
Can you talk about your time dealing with some of the heavyweights in the industry? Dealing with some heavyweights has been priceless, it’s amazing to see how they move their operations, and the fact that any of them take time to talk to someone on the come up is appreciated. I’ve done several shows that I’ve had a chance to speak with many and the consensus amongst them is mutual. The biggest influence amongst any of them though is DJ Symphony of the Wu, the information and knowledge he has bestowed is truly invaluable.
Your most recent project is called Make It Happen, how did that project come together? The first record I recorded for Make It Happen was “Be Somebody”, which help set the tone for the process. My goal during the “Make It happen” recording process was to give myself the truest body of work I’d relate to, that others could understand. I’ve never been a fan of someone telling me that I could not achieve what I wanted in various aspects of my life, from a young child, until now. I would always tell myself make it happen, and I did, so I based the title on those premise.
Honestly, a lot of the game has gone negative, what inspires you to remain so positive? I don’t want to sound cliche, but I don’t have another way to put it, I’m truly just a positive person. I cannot find a reason to dwell on anything for to long if I do. That doesn’t deliver the results we need as people and sometimes you have to be strong for others when they can’t be for themselves. I know myself I’d rather give quality records over quantity so the message or my versatility as an artist isn’t skewed.
Do you have another project in the works? I do have another project that I’ve started on but I have a few goals I’d like to meet with Make It Happen before dropping it. Such as goal one getting to 3,000 downloads on all platforms together, then building off of that with the second project.
Who are some of the artists you aspire to collaborate with in the future? I’d like to work with a various amount of artist for different reasons. To name a few off top I’d have to say G-Eazy, Ryan Leslie, J. Cole, Hit-Boy, and Sage of The HBK Gang. I’ve named these individual artist for the simple reason that I respect their ears/skills for production, where to take the record from beginning/to end, and how to deliver/cadence.
As your career progresses, do you see yourself branching out into acting and other ventures? To be successful you must keep yourself diversified with business, goals, and life. The most successful people don’t keep all their eggs in one basket but I don’t plan to be the person who has many skills but is a master of none. I found myself delving into the arts from a natural love of acting as a child so I can see myself taking on some roles in the future but I will be a master of my artistry as a whole for sure.
Can you let the people know where they can find you on social media? I can be found with @blxjustderek on Instagram, Snap Chat, and Twitter but I can also be found on Facebook, SoundCloud, and Tumblr by typing in Just Derek.
Thank you for taking the time to do this. It is appreciated, without a doubt.
Follow YRS Jerzy on Twitter @IAMYRSJERZY.
